Polk County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 54th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Polk County, Nebraska is 5,209 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 54th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $71,771, the median home value is $177,800, and the median age is 43.7.
The population of Polk County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (5,394 → 5,269), a -0.17% annualized rate.
5,209
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
12
People / sq mi
$71,771
Median Income
$177,800
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 439 sq mi of land at 11.9 people per square mile.
About Polk County, NE
The poverty rate is what most separates Polk County from the typical county: 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Polk County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 5,209.
Households take in a median $71,771, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 4.8%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $177,800, with typical rent around $692.
18.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.8%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 5,394 in 2010 and 5,269 in 2024, a -2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,394 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
5,269
Population (2024)
5,394
Population (2010)
5,394
Peak (2010)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,394 |
| 2011 | 5,336 |
| 2012 | 5,265 |
| 2013 | 5,241 |
| 2014 | 5,267 |
| 2015 | 5,169 |
| 2016 | 5,182 |
| 2017 | 5,299 |
| 2018 | 5,200 |
| 2019 | 5,154 |
| 2020 | 5,218 |
| 2021 | 5,193 |
| 2022 | 5,234 |
| 2023 | 5,212 |
| 2024 | 5,269 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.7
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
23.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 23.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,771$-3,214 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,903 |
| Per-capita income | $36,569 |
| Poverty rate | 4.8%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
4.7%
Carpool
76.1%
Public transit
9.8%
Work from home
20.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$177,800$-46,000 vs state
Median home value
$692
Median rent
81.6%
Homeownership rate
2,524
Total housing units
81.5%
Occupied
18.5%
Vacant
18.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.6%
With health insurance
91.4%
With broadband internet
15.8%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
95.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.3%
High School+
18.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, Nebraska has a population of 5,209 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 54th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 12 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (5,394 → 5,269), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, Nebraska is $71,771, with mean (average) household income of $89,903 and per-capita income of $36,569. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.4%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Polk County, Nebraska is 43.7 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $177,800 and median monthly rent is $692. 81.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,524 total housing units, 18.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Polk County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
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Statewide data for Nebraska
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Nebraska
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.